The European Parliament elections are yet another test for Italy’s fragile political system

Italian politics has traditionally produced its fair share of drama, with unstable coalitions and short-lived governments dominating the country’s post-war history. Vincent Della Sala writes that the European Parliament elections in Italy in May 2014 will continue this trend, with the parties of the governing coalition likely to be held responsible for the country’s dire economic and social position, while several opposition parties with anti-euro and anti-EU platforms could assert themselves during the campaign. He suggests that although public support for the EU continues to remain high in the country, there is a distinct lack of appetite for the EU-led reforms which have emerged as a response to the financial crisis.

• Prif ffynhonnell

ESO: Background information: European Parliament: Election, May 2014 http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-parliament-election-may-2014/

EurActiv, 24.01.14: Italy's Grillo convinced of EU elections win despite voting reform plans http://www.euractiv.com/eu-elections-2014/italys-grillo-convinced-win-eu-e-news-532996

ESO: Background information: Italy reform deal puts Berlusconi back centre stage http://www.europeansources.info/record/italy-reform-deal-puts-berlusconi-back-centre-stage-italian-pm-enrico-lettas-government-in-danger-of-collapse/

Blog: openDemocracy, 29.01.14: Can Europe make it: The chaos theory of Italian politics http://www.opendemocracy.net/can-europe-make-it/piero-tortola/chaos-theory-of-italian-politics

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